AS / A2 English Literature

WHY TAKE ENGLISH LITERATURE?
If you enjoy reading, have a questioning mind, enjoy debate and want to learn how to present your views effectively orally and in writing, then English Literature is for you. In addition to learning more about literature you will develop a wide variety of skills that are highly regarded both by employers and universities. English Literature prepares you for careers which require good communication skills such as publishing, public relations, marketing, journalism, management, the legal profession, teaching and many others. It is the AS/A2 course you should take if you want to study English at university or teach English in a high school or college.

WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF STUDY?
At AS, you will study the poetry of Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes; F Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby and one other novel of your choice; a number of short stories and David Hare’s play, Murmuring Judges. You will produce a coursework folder containing an extended essay comparing The Great Gatsby with one other novel, and one piece of creative writing with a commentary. At A2, you will study older, more challenging texts including Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure, Webster’s The Duchess of Malfi, and the poetry of John Donne. You will also undertake an independent study of three texts for coursework. You will learn not only about the texts themselves but also the social, historical and literary contexts in which they were written and read.

WHAT SKILLS WILL I NEED AND DEVELOP?
To get the most out of your English Literature course you must be an enthusiastic reader and be willing to discuss and justify your ideas about texts. You should be prepared to write essays and to develop your writing skills so that you can express your ideas clearly and logically. You should be interested in learning about the different techniques used in short stories. You will develop your oral communication skills in group and pair discussion work and be given opportunities to present your ideas in formal presentations. You will also develop independent research skills using the internet, Virtual Learning Environment and Learning Resource Centre. You will develop analytical skills as well as written communication skills through coursework, timed examination practice and essays.

ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS I NEED?
You must have at least a grade C in both GCSE English Language and English Literature.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
40% Coursework, 60% Examination.
This is for both the AS and the A2 courses.

PRIESTLEY EXTRA
To develop your understanding of English you will be able to attend theatre performances, and conferences, hear visiting speakers and attend English enrichments such as creative writing. You will also have the opportunity to join us on one of our overseas residential visits.



STUDENT IN PROFILE - MICHAEL CHRISTIE
Former High School - St Gregory's RC
Michael completed four A levels in English Literature, Maths, Psychology and Critical Thinking whilst at Priestley College, having studied his GSCEs at St Gregory's RC High School. He achieved a grade A in English Literature and a Merit in the prestigious Advanced Extension Award in English and went on to study English Literature at Cambridge University.